A window to paradise

R.B. Hunt music teacher Jim Solomon never expected his classroom to overlook a tropical oasis, but come spring that's exactly what it will do, thanks to a group of 28 fifth graders.

The students, under the direction of art teacher Melissa Watson, are creating a seven-foot by 30-foot mural in R.B. Hunt's music room in order to lend a view to the otherwise windowless classroom.

To create an environment more interesting than four blank walls, Watson and Solomon decided to paint a mural on every wall, each one with a natural theme.

''After meeting with our client, Mr. Solomon, this is what he wanted,'' said Watson. Along with her fifth grade art students, she developed a ''one year, one wall'' plan, beginning with a rendition of a tropical beach. ''It's a collaborative effort,'' said Watson. ''Everyone contributed and now were doing it.''

Starting in mid-September, the students interviewed Solomon, their ''client,'' to find out what type of scene he wanted for his first wall. They collected pictures fitting with the tropical theme, then paired up to do preliminary drawings.

The best idea from the preliminary drawings were cut and pasted onto four composite drawings, which were presented to Solomon. He chose his favorite parts and these were drawn into a composite which became the final drawing.

''This is entirely their design,'' said Watson. ''It's actually a composite of drawings that the kids did.''

After coloring the final drawing and discussing their ideas with Solomon, students transferred the drawing to the wall and began painting, working in teams of seven with acrylic mural paints. Watson is giving the students complete creative freedom, letting them do everything themselves.

''It's their mural. They designed it, they drew it, they're painting it,'' she said.

The kids are just glad that the planning part is over, which, according to Watson, ''drove them nuts.''

''We just wanted to paint,'' said one student.

The students hope to be finished with the major painting of the mural by spring break and add the finishing touches by May. When the project is complete, the students are having an unveiling party.

''They've been painting since October, and I am thrilled that this is happening,'' said Solomon, who has watched the students complete each step in the task to beautify his classroom.

''This used to be one big white wall. In a room with no windows, it's very exciting.''